I’m delighted today to be helping launch the paperback leg of the blog tour for The Summer at Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman, and sharing my review: the kindle version (free via Kindle Unlimited) and audiobook were published on 20th March by Embla Books, and the paperback will follow on 25th May (available for preorder). My thanks to Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers for the invitation and support, and to both her and the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
With apologies to Lucy, it really is far too long since I reviewed one of her lovely books – that was in 2021, the gorgeous A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds (review here), and I am rather kicking myself that I missed out on a trip to Italy (Finding Love in Positano) and last year’s Christmas release (aargh, and I always so love her Christmas books – this time it was Christmas at the Highland Flower Shop). But if you pop her name – or that of her alter ego Linn B Halton – into my search box you’ll find loads of reviews and features, as she’s been a personal favourite for rather a long time. I was delighted when I received Tracy’s email about this tour – and after a far longer break from her writing than I ever planned, this was a book I was particularly looking forward to…
A beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever…
Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.
But Linzi’s world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over.
When Elliot Montgomery first sets foot at Green Valley, Linzi’s worst fears are realised. He’s stepped straight out of the boardroom in shiny shoes and a tailored suit. How will a numbers man like him ever understand the magic of what they do here?
Elliot has his own demons, carrying the grief of his father’s death. Despite their differences, he has come to the vineyard for a new beginning, much like Linzi once did.
As the summer unfolds, Elliot and Linzi find themselves in an uneasy alliance while old secrets threaten to be revealed.
Could more be about to bloom here among the twisting vines than they ever thought possible?
An absolutely charming summer read that is perfect to escape with. Fans of Karen Swan, Phillipa Ashley and Sarah Morgan will be absolutely enchanted by this tale full of love, friendship and the beauty of winemaking.
Linzi has been keeper of the vines at Green Valley for nine years, her expert knowledge greatly valued by owner Thomas. There have been changes over the years – Thomas’ son Robert, brought in as manager for a while, introduced a hotel and restaurant (now with a coveted Michelin star), and Linzi is part of a wider team who run the various parts of the Welsh vineyard’s business and help enhance its reputation. But further changes are to come, when Thomas is forced by ill health to step back from day-to-day involvement and bring in his accountant grandson Elliot, giving him free rein to make changes everywhere except among Linzi’s precious vines. It’s clear from the start that Elliot sees her as a particular asset, with the wine-making expertise he lacks – and she also becomes a friend he can use as a sounding board, always honest in her views, when it becomes clear that some less than comfortable changes really are a financial necessity.
A tremendous amount of research must have gone into this book, and the author uses it quite superbly. Her descriptions entirely transport the reader to the vineyard itself where you can really feel Linzi’s affinity with the land, and her relationship with the natural world that surrounds it – and the depth of detail about the growing of the grapes and the making of the wines is simply fascinating. Elliot’s perspective is, of course, a different one – while he’s happy to learn from Linzi and fully understands her passion, even content to become hands-on at times, his focus has to be on the bottom line and finding a way to ensure the whole business makes a profit.
The characterisation is quite excellent. Both Linzi and Elliot are eminently likeable, with complications both in their past and present lives and a few slowly revealed secrets: the relationship between them felt entirely real, and I really enjoyed the way it developed. The primary perspective is Linzi’s, but I rather liked the occasional shift to Elliot’s story, enabling an insight both into his feelings and uncertainties and the reasons behind the difficult decisions he may need to make. If you’re looking for romance, it’s fairly low-key, but I was entirely happy with that – the relationship between them is more about support, friendship, and mutual respect, anything else is rather more of a slow-build, and I felt that worked particularly well. But there’s also a wider cast, all really well-drawn individuals with their own stories, some of them unexpectedly emotional – and the author captures particularly well the elements of uncertainty in their lives as they wait to see the changes the new man at the helm will bring.
It’s a strong and engaging story, gently told, wonderfully heartwarming at times, the emotional moments perfectly judged, and I have to say I really loved it – perhaps my favourite of the author’s books so far. A perfect summer read, and very much recommended – I really enjoyed this one!
About the author
Lucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
‘It’s only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy – and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!’
If she isn’t online she’s either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied
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So delighted you enjoyed a little trip to the vineyard, Anne, and mega thanks for taking the time to read and review. Hope all is good with you! xx